I have been facing similar issues with kava and wanted to add to the limited information already out there. I find it works fantastic for anxiety issues, so I would like to be able to continue use it. Previously i started with capsules and there was not much effect - i never had any adverse 'allergy' type of reaction to the capsules, however the effect was not great compared to real instant kava.
When i finally purchased instant kava, I used it (probably almost to excess) over about a week or two. At the end of the final week, I had been sunburned (this may be important), and decided to drink a large amount (multiple tablespoons) of kava that evening. This is when i first noticed itchiness and flushing of the face, but i did not guess that kava could be the cause at the time. The next morning i awoke with a red swollen face, dry skin, and itchy hives which developed in most parts of the body (chest, face, arms legs). This sucked! I barely felt capable of doing anything... I researched online about similar reports of 'allergic' type reactions.
I took a break from kava and took antihistamines (cetirizine) with plenty of moisturiser to try reduce symptoms and it had pretty much subsided within a few days of stopping. I decided to try kava again, and i continued to use it every second day in smaller doses ( 2-3 teaspoons per night). This significantly improved symptoms - i still had dry skin and occasionally an itchiness not long after ingestion of kava, but symptoms were mild and manageable in comparison.
I took a break from kava as i had none left and went away on a weekend trip. I got back yesterday and found the kava had been delivered. I ended up using 2-3 tablespoons to test the effect, and throughout the night as i consumed more, the itchiness and swollen red face started returned!! I used moisturiser, took an antihistamine and made sure i was well hydrated before bed. This morning i did not have hives, but just a slightly swollen face which has been slowly fading. This is the second worst reaction I have had to kava... and i found it interesting that I had also been sunburned before this time too.
just some food for thought about why this may occur based on my experiences:
1. kavalactone content... the highest amount i consumed gave me the worst symptoms... and since cutting back symptoms faded...
2. Perhaps a combination of sunburn and kava is more likely to set off reactions like this? (both my worst reactions happened while still feeling sunburned)
3. Or perhaps dehydration?
And yes, my kava is noble grade and sold at pharmacies.
If anyone has more information about avoiding this that would be fantastic!!